Tuesday, April 30, 2013

We're excited to start planning our big summer vacation. We're going to be doing another road trip (of course). Part one of the trip will be our annual trip to G-FEST in Chicago, IL. G-Fest is "...the largest regular gathering of Godzilla and Japanese monster fans in the world." Check out the following link for more info: http://www.g-fan.com/html/gfest_xx/gfest_xx.php

This year, we're driving to Chicago. In the past, we've flown and taken the train. This will be my daughters 4th convention (and my 7th) of the 30 total that have been held. Last year, we participated in filming multiple scenes for a fan monster movie, so we're looking forward to seeing the finished film this year (and hoping we didn't end up on the cutting room floor).

After the convention in Chicago, will head east to Sandusky, Ohio, and Cedar Point Amusement Park. This will be my daughters first time at Cedar Point. The park is renowned for it's numerous roller coaster, probably the largest number at one park in the world. We will attempt to ride all 16 (though one, the Jr. Gemini, may be too small for me to fit on).

Following Cedar Point, we're planning to go to Cleveland and visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After Cleveland, we'll follow along the coast of Lake Erie and travel to Niagara Falls, including a trip across the border into Canada (assuming we get our passports in time).

Next, we'll head south to my home-away-from-home, Pittsburgh, PA! We'll plan to visit one more amusement park, good ol' Kennywood, then we'll head for home. We have just over a week for the entire trip, so we're really looking forward to everything. Most of the trip will be a repeat for me, but my daughter is very excited. We should have a lot of fun.

Monday, April 29, 2013

I was all set to get on my soap box after reading about something that was sure to create some controversy, but then I came across this verse from Proverbs 30:33 - "As the beating of cream yields butter and striking the nose causes bleeding, so stirring up anger causes quarrels." With that, I have thought better of my plan and so I'm stepping off of my soap box and will wait until I've thought this out a little better. Two controversial topics in one week for a blog that isn't about controversy is too much.

***

I received a rather colorful email from a "Katie Daryl" on my junk email account. "She" claims that "I will shake you all night long!" At first I was a little bit worried. Being shook all night long sound like something my wife used to do when I snored too much. Then I got a little excited when I realized what "shake you all night long" might really mean. Then I got disappointed when I couldn't figure out who "Katie Daryl" is. I finally concluded that poor Katie must have sent this email to the wrong guy. I decided against replying to her. I don't think that would be very gentlemanly. She might get the wrong idea about me.

***

Now that the furloughs are over for the FAA, I'm back to work full time again, which means I should be getting full paychecks once again. That means I'm back in the market for a new car. My intention is to sell my 2004 Jeep Liberty and replace it with a Jeep Wrangler, which I've always wanted. I've narrowed my search and hope to check one out here in the next day or so. The Liberty has been a good vehicle for us, but it just isn't much fun to drive. I'm all about driving enjoyment. I'm keeping my little 2-seater, but the Jeep Wrangler is a little bigger for us to take longer trips and still get the top-down enjoyment.

What I have

What I want

***

Just found out an old flame is going to my cousin's church. She doesn't know him or his family (yet), but I've got them keeping a look out for her. The world just isn't big enough anymore, and with social media, my own worlds keep colliding. This should not turn into any kind of a problem, since it was a pretty clean break, but I don't want any unneeded stress here. I'm going to have to just increase the size of my dating circle. Everything is just hitting a little too close to home for my comfort.

***

Talk about stress... My 9 year-old daughter has just informed me that she needs to start shaving. Sure enough, puberty has started. She's got hair growing in all the "standard" locations (she didn't show me, thank goodness...I may have passed out if she did... she just told me). I'm so not ready for this. Isn't 9 a little too young for this to be starting? So, to all of the wonderful female role models that are in our lives and volunteered to be there when this starts, HEEEEEELLLLLLLPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!

***

A friend just forwarded a link to a site that has pictures of the Boston bombings just after they occurred. It's just awful. I have no words to describe the devastation to so many innocent people. I am sickened. All I want to do now is hug my little girl and pray that God will be with those who were hurt, and be with the families of those who were killed. This is just an awful event, and it shows just how horrible people can be. I wish we lived in a better world. Jesus can't return soon enough.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

I rediscovered my trip journals from a few years back. One in particular took me back to my honeymoon, from July 24 to August 5, 1999. Here is what we wrote from that trip...

***

Day 1, 7/25/99, Baltimore, MD to Seattle, WA - T2 (Teresa) and I get up at about 7 a.m., very tired but excited about EVERYTHING! We take the hotel shuttle over to BWI Airport and take a United flight to Chicago. The airline moved us to first class because we are honeymooning! Uneventful but fun flight with a great meal. Arrive at O'Hare in Chicago at 12:45, then dash to our next flight, departing for Seattle at 3:30. Another uneventful flight and, bummer, no first class. Saw Mt. Ranier from the plane (T2 was impressed!). Got our rental car, a '99 Ford Mustang Convertible! Drove to downtown and to the Space Needle. Temps are much cooler here! After a trip to the top of the Space Needle, we headed to our hotel in Gig Harbor, WA, the Best Western Wesley Inn (apparently run by Christians), a really nice place! Both of us very tired and to bed early.

Day 2, 7/26/99, Seattle, WA - Up rather late. We got ready, but then T2 had a migraine, so Eric ran out to the store to get her better, and she did! We headed out in our Mustang to downtown Seattle. Stopped in Pioneer Square and went on the Underground Tour. Very cool, though, at times, kind of tacky. Our tour guide, John, was a riot. We ate lunch at an Italian restaurant nearby and ate good pizza. Walked to the waterfront and on up to Pikes Street Market. Very neat with lots of "flying" fish. Back to the waterfront and got ice cream, then took a ferry ride across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island and back. Hopped in our convertible and drove across the world's longest floating bridge. Back to Gig Harbor and stopped at a Target and a grocery store. T2 drove us back to the Best Western. We ate, then got ready for bed.

Day 3, 7/27/99, Seattle, WA, to Astoria, OR - Up early and we got ready and packed up. We checked out of our Best Western in Gig Harbor. Driving towards Mt. Ranier. VERY scenic drive -- lots of mountains and trees, and cool! Stopped and lunched at a picnic area in Mt. Ranier's shadow. Then we headed up to the Visitor's Center near Paradise. Looked around and rested. Headed out towards Mt. St. Helen's. Long drive, but made it to the Visitor's Center at 4:50, but it closed at 5! We missed out, but took a few pictures, then headed out. We stopped at a gift shop nearby and got a few souvenirs, then headed for Oregon. We crossed the Columbia River at Kelso-Longview and got on US 30 west. Nice drive and reached the town of Astoria. Very nice place! Drove through town, headed across the inlet to Warrenton (on US 101) and ate dinner at the Shilo Inn. Then back to Astoria and checked in to the Comfort Suites. Very nice room and nice people, very friendly (after telling them we were honeymooning, they told us to come back down and use the jacuzzi after hours for some privacy! We did NOT take them up on that.). Relaxed and to bed at 10 or so.

Day 4, 7/28/99, Astoria to Lincoln City, OR - Up a little bit late. We drove up to the Astoria Column, but we couldn't go in because it was closed for cleaning. We went on to Fort Stevens in Warrenton. Saw the wreck of the Peter Ireland on the Pacific Ocean (first time for Eric!). Then we headed down US 101. Stopped and had lunch at Ecola State Park. Very beautiful view! Saw Tillamook Rock lighthouse. Drove to the Tillamook Cheese Factory and went on the tour (and got some ice cream). Took the Three Capes Scenic Loop and saw Cape Mears Lighthouse, shortest in Oregon at 38' tall. On to Lincoln City -- staying at the Best Western. We got a nice room with a jacuzzi! Had dinner at the Hilltop Inn, then back to the jacuzzi! To bed late.

Day 5, 7/29/99, Lincoln City to Gold Beach, OR - Up early. Stopped at Cape Foulweather and a great view of the coast. Went on and saw Devil's Punchbowl at low tide. Then to Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the tallest in Oregon. Took the climb to the top -- 93'! Very cool view! Headed back out to Newport. Missed Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, but could see it from the highway. Stopped at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Also very cool! Lunch at Lost Creek Beach. Back down the road to see the sea lions at Strawberry Hill State Park. Very neat! Stopped at Heceta Head Lighthouse. Did not walk up the "mountain" to see it, but took lots of pictures. Back on the road -- stopped in Umpqua to see the lighthouse there. Then on to North Bend. Somehow we missed Cape Arago lighthouse, but we did see Coquille River Lighthouse, sort of abandoned looking. Ate at the Station Restaurant in Bandon, then to Cape Blanco Lighthouse. On to Gold Beach and checked into the Best Western. On to bed rather late.

Day 6, 7/30/99, Gold Beach, OR, to Garberville, CA - Up a little bit earlier and headed toward California. Stopped at "Ships Ashore", a really cheesy tourist trap. Continued on down the coast to Crescent City to see the Battery Point Lighthouse (used as a residence) and the Point St. George Reef Lighthouse (6 miles off shore). Stopped in Trinidad, CA, for lunch at Seascape, right on the shore (very good!). Then stopped at the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse overlooking the town. Next stop was a surprise by Teresa, in Arcata, at a Finnish Spa. Very nice pit stop! Then we headed to the Redwoods. Drove the Avenue of the Giants and saw some pretty good scenery. Stopped for the night at the Best Western in Garberville, CA. Got a very good pizza at Siciliano's. To bed kind of late.

Day 7, 7/31/99, Garberville to Santa Rosa, CA - Up late. Got some breakfast, then headed back out through the Redwoods on US 101. Stopped at the very cheesy tourist trap, the Legend of Bigfoot. Then on to Route 1 down the coast. VERY scenic drive! Stopped for a quick lunch at Burger King in Fort Bragg, then stopped at the Point Arena Lighthouse -- very cool! Saw some spectacular scenery on the coast near Jenner. Stopped briefly in Bodega Bay (home of Hitchcock's THE BIRDS). Then we headed inland to Santa Rosa. Stayed at a Travelodge. Had dinner at Applebee's, then a stop at Target. Back to our room. To bed relatively early.

Day 8, 8/1/99, Santa Rosa to San Francisco, CA - Headed out relatively early. Ate breakfast at a bagel place, then, with T2 driving, we headed out of Santa Rosa on US 101 to Petaluma, then headed toward Point Reyes. Pretty desolate landscape, but very scenic. Got to the Point Reyes Lighthouse and to endure quite a hike down to it, the equivalent of a 50-story building. The climb back up was tough! Headed back out along the coast -- also very scenic. Had lunch in Tamalapais, CA, at a Jack-in-the-Box (I always wanted to stop at one - we weren't impressed). Continued on to San Francisco! Stopped at Marin Headlands for a spectacular view! Then went across the Golden Gate Bridge, and stopped at the Palace of Fine Arts! Continued on down Lombard St. to the crookedest street in the world! Very cool! Then to Coit Tower for a great view of the city. Checked into our hotel, the Travelodge Golden Gate. Had dinner at Johnny Rockets. Back to our room and to bed kind of late.

Day 9, 8/2/99, San Francisco, CA - Up late. Drove out to Alta Plaza Park, then headed over to Golden Gate Park. Walked up and around Stow Lake and up Strawberry Hill. Then we drove to the Japanese Garden. Had tea and fortune cookies. Drove to the Buffalo Paddock to see the buffalo! In San Francisco! Drove to Ocean Beach, then headed over to Japan Center in Japan Town. Had lunch at Osada Ya where T2 tried sushi and used chopsticks! Shopped, then got gas, then drove down Lombard St. one more time. Dropped off our convertible Mustang at the the rental car office (very sad), then WALKED up to Grace Cathedral. Saw a building used in the movie VERTIGO, then headed over to Chinatown. Stopped for souvenirs, then had a GREAT dinner at Hunan Homes. Very good! Took a cable car up to Hyde Street. Saw lots of fire activity. Got a pass for public transportation, then took another cable car to the Cannery at Fisherman's Wharf. Got a sundae at Ghiradelli Square, then took a bus back to the hotel. To bed very late.

Day 10, 8/3/99, San Francisco, CA - Up very late. Headed out to catch a bus to Fisherman's Wharf. Spent all day shopping and having a wonderful, relaxing day. Had lunch at Boudin's Baery (chili in a sourdough bread bowl - very good!). Walked to Pier 39 and saw the sea lions. Good time! More shopping. Saw a movie about San Francisco, then more shopping. Stopped at a Route 66 store. Watched the cable cars turn around, then took a bus back to our hotel. Cleaned up and rested. West back out and had some great pizza at Pizzeria Uno. Then took a long walk to make us feel better, on Union St. Walked back to the hotel and packed up. To bed soon after.

Day 11, 8/4/99, San Francisco, CA - Up early. Had breakfast at IHOP. Then packed up and checked out of our Travelodge. Took a cab to the Chancellor Hotel on Union Square - very ritzy! Old but classy, for our last night in SF. Headed out, after checking in, to Macy's, FAO Schwartz, and the Union Square area for more shopping. Back to the Chancellor to regroup, then took a cable car to the Financial District. Saw the Port of San Francisco and the Bay Bridge. Then took the cable car up California St. to Chinatown for more souvenirs. Found plenty! Walked back to the Chancellor to regroup again, then took a cable car to Fisherman's Wharf for more shopping and a quick lunch. Walked up Mason St. to the Cable Car Museum (tough walk along the tracks). Took a cable car back to the Chancellor. Rested and relaxed. Got ready and went out for a fancy dinner. Took the cable car to Ellis St. and ate at John's Grill, home of Sam Spade. Good, if not plentiful food. Very nice. Back to Powell St. to Sutter on the cable car (at the turntable), and had dessert at Lori's Diner. VERY good! Back to the Chancellor for our last night in San Francisco. To bed very late.

Day 12, 8/5/99, San Francisco, CA, to HOME! Up a little early. Got ready. Went to Lori's Diner again for breakfast. Good food but lousy service. Back to hotel. Finished packing. Checked out and waited for a shuttle to take us to San Francisco International Airport. Then took a United flight to BWI. No first class, but the crew gave us a bottle of champagne (too bad we don't drink!). Got to BWI at around 10 p.m. Called the Ramada that we stayed at before our trip and their shuttle picked us up. Got our car and started for home (stopped at Wendy's for a quick, late dinner). Home and unpacked. To bed very late (2 a.m.), but very happy with memories of our exciting honeymoon!

I've tried to steer clear of sensitive or controversial topics on this blog because I don't want it to become the center of such things. But every once in a while, I think it's necessary to shed some light on a topic that gets lost in many of the greater issues and debates that get all of the headlines. In this case, it's pre-marital sex.

I find myself getting disappointed in a lot of things the older I get. I really don't want to become a grumpy old man, especially since I don't consider 43 years to be old, but my "old fashioned" beliefs tend to fly in the face of what society deems to be "normal" or "okay". It especially hit home after reading some comments from a blog post by a popular Christian author. The post referred to the on-going Pro-Life versus Pro-Choice argument, but a portion of one of the points he was making had to do with pre-marital sex. The exact quote is, "People are going to have sex before marriage. We have no right to control them. If we want to influence them, we can present to culture the beauty of marriage. That’s a more effective way to influence culture anyway." While his words are admirable, are we just supposed to accept that people are going to have sex before marriage?

Am I making too much of this? Is it really that big a deal? Last I checked, the Biblical language on this subject hasn't changed. I Corinthians 7:2 - "But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband." And Hebrews 13:4 - "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous." Let me emphasize that I'm talking about following God's word on this subject, and am not judging others. I'm questioning the acceptance of others having sex before marriage.

I guess I really must be old fashioned for believing others are following the Biblical lead on sex. My wife and I thought we were doing the right thing by waiting until marriage to have sex. We had both accepted Christ as our Savior while we were teens. We were also both virgins when we married. She was 27 and I was 30. Yeah, that's a long time to wait, but was it worth it? I would emphatically say yes. I truly believe that if one is following Christ, then they know that this is something that Jesus would want them to do.

I shouldn't be surprised that society has accepted that it's okay to have sex outside of a marriage relationship. Even recently, I've had prospective dates on dating websites, even Christian dating sites, expecting me to initiate a sexual relationship (and some don't even want to wait for me to initiate it!), and they are surprised to discover that I don't believe in that. And just to be clear, I'm not a prude. My wife and I had a very fulfilling sex life (as husband and wife). But I had one date actually cry on the phone before we had even met because I told her I would not have sex with her unless we were married. Another woman actually seemed to humor me and said, yes, it was okay if I wanted to wait, but I could tell she was taking it as some sort of challenge, and, knowing how I felt about this, she still tried to tempt me after one particular night out (it was our last date). Has it really come to this? I just don't understand why this is such an important issue with so many that they can't wait for marriage.

I guess I really must have had a sheltered life for believing that there are people who are not engaging in pre-marital sex. I'm still surprised every time someone I know is pregnant or fathers a child outside of a marriage relationship, or if a couple decides to live together before getting married. To me, this isn't okay, but it's not up to me to judge them. I can only judge myself.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Today was such a beautiful but frustrating day. The weather was almost perfect. I had a lot of things planned to take advantage of how nice it was, including dropping the top on the car and doing a bit of cruising. There was Maryland Day at the University of Maryland in College Park, where there were numerous activities on campus. We also were invited to join some of the extended family at the Celtic Festival in Southern Maryland, near Prince Frederick.

Upon picking up my daughter from a sleep-over at a friend's house, I found out that my plans were going to be changed. My daughter had been up almost all night with her friends, and wasn't going to be able to function very well without a good amount of sleep today. And that's what happened. Lots of sleep and us doing nothing all day. Again. I feel like I've wasted two days in a row.

The only good news was being able to watch the entire NFL Draft. I was very satisfied overall with how my Steelers did in the draft, and the players all seem to fit needs. Hopefully they will live up to the expectations of Steeler Nation.

The weather is supposed to be pretty nice tomorrow morning, so we'll try again to get out and enjoy the day before the rain begins to enter the picture. Of course, I'll have to get my girl to bed at a decent hour. She's already wide awake as we approach 11 p.m. Too much sleep today.

Friday, April 26, 2013

I sent my daughter off tonight to her first sleep-over. She has spent the night numerous times at her grandparent's places, but this is the first time she's done this at a friend's house. She was very excited. She even got a new sleeping bag a few nights ago just for the occasion. Her friend's mother warned me that the girls would be painting their nails, so that should be fun for her.

In the meantime, I'll continue watching the NFL Draft for my bachelor night. Yeah, I really know how to party.

Today was my first furlough day. With sequestration and the fact that our president and elected officials cannot do their jobs, I'm not allowed to do my job. So I spent the day at home without pay. Hooray. What did I do? Well, after getting my daughter off to school, I came home and promptly fell asleep on the couch. I woke up at 3 p.m., 30 minutes before I was due to pick up my daughter from school. I wasted the entire day. I guess I needed the sleep. I really feel like I wasted the day, though, and I can think of dozens of things that I either should have done, or wanted to do. Faithful Pup Scout was very happy to have me home with her, though.

According to reports, this may be my first and last furlough day. The FAA has been under a lot of pressure to return air traffic controllers to work, since the furloughs are causing all sorts of delays at airports all over the country. However, they are working out a funding plan to allow controllers to return to work. Ironically, my organization is a part of the Air Traffic Organization, the same as the controllers, so it remains to be seen if we will be allowed to return to work, as well. I guess I'll find out soon. I just know that, because of the furlough, it is against the law for me to even look at my email on my blackberry to find out. Crazy, eh?

I guess it's good that I got plenty of sleep today. I can't help but think I'm going to get a phone call in the middle of the night from my daughter. The moment she starts feeling left out, which could very well happen since most of the girls at the sleep-over are one's she doesn't know, she might want to just come home. So I'll have to be ready to go rescue her, if necessary. Did I mention she's only two doors down, at our neighbor's house?

Thursday, April 25, 2013

I can't remember when I started to become interested in the NFL Draft, but I've watched it almost every year for the last few decades, and I become more interested every year. This year, I'm riveted, since my Steelers have a fairly early pick and they have so many needs. They're hurting at safety, linebacker (inside & outside), running back, tight end, and wide receiver, and this is a fairly deep draft, so there will be a lot of opportunity to get several players who can help them. So I'm sitting here watching and waiting for the 17th overall pick.

Interestingly, the last draft that I missed was when the Steelers selected QB Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. That was the same day as my wife's funeral. I'm reminded of the story of the two guys who went to their first NFL game, and they had terrific seats. Just before kickoff, an elderly gentleman sat down next to them, with an empty seat next to him. They asked the guy about having such great seats, but why was he at the game all by himself? The old man said that he used to come to every game with his wife, but since she had died, he came alone. They asked him if he had any friends or family that he could invite to come with him so he didn't have to sit all by himself, and the old guy responded, "I did ask, but they're all at my wife's funeral!" (If you didn't find that to be funny, it could be my fault.... I'm told I can't tell a joke.)

Last year was such a disappointing season for Steelers fans. I was very frustrated, especially how they lost several of their games. They just couldn't finish the way they used. Their defense finished number one in the league in yards allowed, but they didn't have many turnovers, and sacks were almost non-existent. That isn't how this defense has played in the past, and it really kept them from being successful. The offense was able to move the ball fairly well with the new offense under coordinator Todd Haley, but Big Ben was hurt around mid-season and the team struggled after he came back. The team just barely missed the playoffs. The off-season wasn't any better, as the Steelers lost many of their free agents. This is just one big reason why this draft is so important. The Steelers need to re-tool both the offense and the defense in order to remain competitive in the AFC North. Cincinnati and Cleveland should be better than last season, and the Ravens were Super Bowl Champions, even if they look less strong than they did at the end of the season. The Steelers many very well struggle. Ben, a franchise QB, will keep them in the running for the play-offs, but that's not a guarantee. If he gets hurt again and misses any time at all, the Steelers will struggle.

The names that have been thrown out as possibilities for the Steelers to select in the first round of the draft are all still on the board after 11 selections. That could be great news. The Steelers may have a decision to make if multiple names are still available. I continue to wait on the edge of my seat. This is exciting! But I still feel ridiculous that I care so much. It's so hard being a die-hard fan.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

A friend of mine sent me an invitation to a Christian Single's event taking place this weekend, and I panicked. If there is one thing that I absolutely dread, it's a Christian singles group. I hate to make generalities about the people in these groups, but it's always the same: desperate people looking desperately for a date. This is very different from a young adults group. At least with young adults, it's not expected that you be married by a certain age, and there are usually a lot of wonderful people worth meeting. With the dreaded "singles group", it's generally made up of a bunch of people that you would expect to be married by the time they hit their 30s or 40s, and the assumption is something must be wrong with them if they're not. I'm not saying there is something wrong with them. They could be wonderful people. This is just a generality, resulting from my own experience. Anyway, after seeing the invitation, I went screaming the other way.

I recall a picnic that Teresa invited me to at her church. It was for the singles group. Teresa thought it might be a fun thing for us to do on a nice Sunday afternoon. We had only been dating a few weeks. When we arrived, one of Teresa's friends, who didn't know that Teresa and I were dating, ran over to her and suggested that she meet one of the single guys who was there for the picnic. It was a very uncomfortable situation. Teresa politely declined and whispered to her friend that she and I were there together, and things were going pretty well. The friend didn't quite understand, so Teresa had to spell it out a little more clearly. We left soon after we arrived, pleased that we had each other and didn't have to go through the awkwardness of the meeting process.

I guess it isn't nice to look down on this breed of singleness. It may or may not be their fault that they're still single. I just know that these single groups are not for me. I'll take my chances on finding someone on my own, without having to resort to the mass meet-and-greets. They just aren't any fun.

Monday, April 22, 2013

·If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days, you would have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee.

·If you fart consistently for 6 years and 9 months, enough gas is produced to create the energy of an atomic bomb.

·The human heart creates enough pressure when it pumps out to the body to squirt blood 30 feet.

·Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour.

·On average people fear spiders more than they do death.

·The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue.

·You can't kill yourself by holding your breath.

·Americans on the average eat 18 acres of pizza every day.

·Every time you lick a stamp, you're consuming 1/10 of a calorie.

·You are more likely to be killed by a champagne cork than by a poisonous spider.

·Right-handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people do.

·In ancient Egypt, Priests plucked every hair from their bodies, including their eyebrows and eyelashes.

·The ant can lift 50 times its own weight, can pull 30 times its own weight and always falls over on its right side when intoxicated.

·Polar bears are left handed.

·The catfish has over 27,000 taste buds, that makes the catfish rank #1 for animal having the most taste buds.

·The flea can jump 350 times its body length, It's like a human jumping the length of a football field.

·A cockroach will live nine days without it's head, before it starves to death.

·The male praying mantis cannot copulate while its head is attached to its body The female initiates sex by ripping the males head off.

·Butterflies taste with their feet.

·A pig's orgasm lasts for 30 minutes

·Humans and dolphins are the only species that have sex for pleasure.

·Elephants are the only animals that can't jump.

·A cat's urine glows under a blacklight

·Starfish don't have brains.

·It is impossible to lick your elbow.

·A crocodile can't stick its tongue out.

·A shrimp's heart is in their head.

·People say "Bless you" when you sneeze because when you sneeze, your heart stops for a mili-second.

·In a study of 200,000 ostriches over a period of 80 years, no onereported a single case where an ostrich buried its head in the sand (or attempted to do so - apart from Bones ).

·It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.

·A pregnant goldfish is called a twit.

·Between 1937 and 1945 Heinz produced a version of Alphabetti Spaghetti especially for the German market that consisted solely of little pasta swastikas.

·On average, a human being will have sex more than 3,000 times and spend two weeks kissing in their lifetime.

·More than 50% of the people in the world have never made or received a telephone call.

·Rats and horses can't vomit.

·The "sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick" is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language.

·If you sneeze too hard, you can fracture a rib. If you try to suppress a sneeze, you can rupture a blood vessel in your head or neck and die, if you keep your eyes open by force, they can pop out.

·Rats multiply so quickly that in 18 months, two rats could have overmillion descendants.

·Wearing headphones for just an hour will increase the bacteria in your ear by 700 times.

·If the government has no knowledge of aliens, then why does Title 14, Section 1211 of the Code of Federal Regulations, implemented on July 16, 1969, make it illegal for US citizens to have any contact withextraterrestrials or their vehicles?

·In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere.

·The cigarette lighter was invented before the match.

·Thirty-five percent of the people who use personal ads for dating are already married.

·A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.

·23% of all photocopier faults worldwide are caused by people sitting on them and photocopying their butts.

·In the course of an average lifetime you will, while sleeping, eat 70 assorted insects and 10 spiders.

·Most lipstick contains fish scales.

·Cat's urine glows under a black-light.

·Like fingerprints, everyone's tongue print is different.

·Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise.

·The lion costume in the film Wizard of Oz was made from real lions.

·Walt Disney was afraid of mice.

·"Jaws" is the most common name for a goldfish.

·The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

No matter how hard I try to treat it like just another day, April 19, the anniversary of my wife's death, causes me to be depressed, angry, and otherwise not quite myself. This year was no exception. I've been in a pretty rotten mood for several days now, despite the fact that 9 years have now past since her home-going. I know better than to allow this to happen. I received a reminder while listening to my pastor deliver his message this week, from Romans 5:3-5:

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

This passage shows the hope that results from suffering, and while I understand and practice this throughout most of the year, during this time every year, I allow myself to be overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, depressed, and lonely, and with no energy to do anything. I know better. I know that God is with me, knows and understands my suffering, and one day, at the appropriate time, He may lift this cloud that surrounds me. I know He is not the reason for this suffering that I feel. I just need to look past it and use it to bring endurance, character, and the hope that I feel to the front.

With that said, please forgive me if I have not been as friendly or nice as I normally am, or if I have taken out my anger or frustration out on you, my friends, co-workers, family, neighbors, and others who I deal with on a regular basis. It is a result of what I am going through at this time of year. It hurts so much. I'm a broken person who needs Christ in my life. But I will try to be a better person, and to reflect Christ's love in the way He means it to be.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

I was just sitting here thinking about the wonderful folks at Reservoir High School, and the fact that they were inspired by Teresa to create the Serenity Garden in front of the school They have since added several more names (unfortunately, the community has experienced more deaths since that time). I am forever thankful for the people that were there at the school during that time in my life, particularly the principal, Addie Kaufman, who is both a true friend and wonderful leader for the Reservoir community. Though she is now at Marriott's Ridge High School, she will always be connected to Reservoir as the first principal of the school, and Teresa's boss, who was there the night she died and helped me so much that awful evening. In addition to the wonderful Serenity Garden, there is also a scholarship offered to graduating seniors of Reservoir that is in Teresa's name, and is given annually to students who fit a criteria that was established reflecting many of the attributes Teresa exhibited. This year's will be the ninth recipient.

Former colleagues & student of Teresa's at Reservoir's 10-year anniversary in May 2012

Dr. Addie Kaufman, first principal of Reservoir High

Christine Vidmar, a former student who also spoke at Teresa's funeral service, and member of the Class of 2006, the first graduating class at Reservoir.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Tomorrow is an anniversary that I dread every year. Nine years ago tomorrow I lost my best friend, my lover, my wife, my daughter's mother. She was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, teacher, and friend. Teresa Shirlen Freed was an awesome person! Her life was too short. The Lord had plans for her with Him, and she passed away on the evening of April 19, 2004. You may read all about that evening in an earlier blog post I originally wrote a few months after her home-going:

Please remember my daughter and me in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow. Though nine years have passed, we still have the scars of that evening. We know that our Lord is with us and continues to care for us, and that Teresa/Mommy is in a better place, but we still miss her and love her.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I bought a box of Chinese fortune cookies a few days ago. I like how they taste. They make a nice snack. I had one this afternoon and my fortune read, "Sometimes even love shows a re-run." As usual, I laughed it off, then threw it away. I don't believe in things like fortunes, luck (good or bad), tea leaves, reading palms, horoscopes, UFOs, Bigfeet (other than my 6'6" little brother), and the Loch Ness Monster (unless you're talking about the roller coaster, in which case I definitely DO believe in the Loch Ness Monster -- it's an awesome ride!).

I found myself thinking about my past loves, though, and the fact that I've really ever only had three serious relationships in my 43 years. "Ellen" was my first significant relationship. She was a strange one, though. We dated for about 8 months back in 1993. I'm not sure I really knew what love was, and it was one of those long-distance deals that I have come to hate so much. She was a student at WVU in Morgantown, WV. I met her just before my grandfather, Pap, passed away. She was a Catholic, as well, and I'm not, and her family had a difficult time accepting me. She had no intention of leaving the Catholic Church, either, and I wasn't planning to join. It became clear that there were just too many strikes against us to make it work. Ironically, even though she broke it off with me (over the phone, no less), she contacted me several years later and wanted to give it another try. The relationship was much more serious this time, and we started to consider marriage. She was living in Winchester, VA, by this time, still well outside the DC Metropolitan area that I required, with no intention of coming here. She was still a Catholic, too, and though I went to Mass with her, I knew it was not where God wanted me to be. After spending a day with her and her family (and getting the cold shoulder from her mother once again) just before Easter, I could see the handwriting on the wall, and so could she. We mutually ended it after another seven months of a rather roller coaster-like affair.

A short while after breaking it off with "Ellen", I met Teresa, who, after less than a year of dating, agreed to be my wife, and we married on July 24, 1999. Teresa was everything Ellen wasn't. She was my friend, my best friend, and was awesome in every way. She made me a better person. It was very clear that God blessed our marriage. What we didn't know was that her life would end far sooner than anyone anticipated. She had a heart condition that had worsened following the birth of Melody, and as the strain on her heart increased, she assumed that her body was just having issues recovering from the pregnancy. Despite my urges, she declined to see her doctor, and her heart finally gave out on a beautiful early Spring evening while we were walking around Reservoir High School, where she worked as a teacher. She went to be with the Lord on April 19, 2004, nine years ago this week, leaving me with our 5-month old little girl and so much heartbreak.

It took a while for me to get back on the horse, so to speak, but it happened in the Summer of 2009. I had become friends with a colleague from work. The problem was she worked in Oklahoma City, while I worked here in Maryland. But she knew my story, and we shared the same faith. Ginger was very beautiful, very smart, and, since we had already met several times in person, shared a mutual attraction. Our friendship had intensified through our emails during that Summer, and after I finally got her to admit that she liked me at least as much as I liked her, we began to see each other. I was fortunate that I was in a position at work that called for regular trips to OK City, so we were able to see each other much more frequently than we may have, otherwise. I was very clear with her when we started dating that the relationship would only work if we could get past the long-distance issue, since I knew from past experience it wouldn't work out unless one of us was willing to move. That wasn't an easy thing for me to do, and I told her as much. OK City held little appeal to me, and I knew it didn't make a lot of sense to take Melody away from our family. Though I could easily transfer my job, it was even easier for her to make the move to Maryland. She was a lawyer (DC is made for lawyers!), had no roots in Oklahoma (she was originally from Nebraska, and still had family there), and said she had no problem moving here. The relationship moved very fast, and soon I found myself in "pre-marriage" counseling with a counselor she was friends with in OK City. We soon stopped having fun, because every time I came to see her, we spent time in counseling, which led to much serious conversation and debate about our differences in philosophy regarding faith, child-rearing, money, etc. The red flags started to pop up. It really seemed like she was trying too hard to look for the issues instead of trying to make it work. Finally, after one tumultuous conversation in March, I had had enough and basically told her I was done talking about it. She hung up on me, then followed that up with an email message stating that the relationship was over. I replied that I didn't think it was appropriate to end it that was without a chance to talk over things and at least try to end it amicably. She agreed. We talked again a few days later, and I was hit with a flood of strongly worded arguing and emotion that apparently had been bottled up for a while. She said she never wanted to move to Maryland, and was disappointed I never gave Oklahoma a chance (totally disregarding my statement to her before we started dating that I had no desire to move to OK, and that she said she would move to MD). Among other insults, she also questioned my parenting skills, and said that I would likely have issues with Melody as she got older. I had never had a breakup like this one. It was very hurtful to have someone who I truly did love say such things, and that she had felt this way for some time, too! Anyway, the conversation soon ended, and the relationship ended, as well. Interestingly, I found out that she got married a year later, and quit her job, as well. I hope she is happy. I still pray for her regularly.

So, yeah.... I really don't see myself getting into a "relationship re-run". All three relationships I experienced are very unlikely to be revisited. And, in fact, I would very much like to find a new relationship, and I pray about it regularly. I know I just need to have patience, that God will pick the right time for it to happen.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

On April 4, 1998, I met Teresa. "T2" was her nickname. We began to date and eventually we were married. The following are excerpts from a diary I kept of our time together. This is part two. Enjoy!

***

10/2/98 – Teresa came over and we took Dan out to Outback for his belated Birthday dinner…

10/3/98 – Teresa and I met Mom & Dad and Paul & Elizabeth at Dough Roller for lunch…Teresa and I to Mt. Hebron for the homecoming football game…Unfortunately, the Vikings are losing badly…Back to Teresa’s apartment to clean up, then to Grace’s Fortune for dinner with Mom & Dad, Paul & Elizabeth, Aunt Nancy & Uncle Jack, and Dan…After we ate, we quickly went to Grace Baptist Church in Bowie for a surprise 40th birthday party for Paul…Lots of friends and family there…

10/6/98 – Teresa made us French Toast and hash browns for dinner, then we hiked over to Montpelier Mansion…

10/7/98 – Met Teresa at Montrose for the mid-week service…Dinner afterward at TGI Friday’s with her parents and Mr. Jim B…

10/8/98 – Teresa and I met at her parents house, then we went to dinner at Ledo’s…To Montrose for “Class Act”, an acting seminar…

10/9/98 – Teresa and I had dinner at Jerry’s, then watched a video…

10/10/98 – Teresa and I joined Mom & Dad, Angie & Dave, and Darren and his girlfriend for a day at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg…

10/11/98 – Teresa and I went grocery shopping, then she made Kristen and I a good ham supper…I made milkshakes for dessert…

10/14/98 – Teresa and I met at Montrose for the mid-week service…

10/15/98 – Teresa and I met at Montrose and had dinner at the Silver Diner…

10/16/98 – Teresa and Kristen brought me a McD’s dinner, then we went to the Hope’s for a Single’s party…good time, but really not for Teresa & I anymore…

10/17/98 – Teresa and I went to the Renaissance Festival in Crownsville…Good time!…Met Mom & Dad for dinner at Ledo’s, then we watched old home movies until late…

10/18/98 – Met Teresa at Montrose for a concert, First Impression…

10/21/98 – Met Teresa at Montrose and we went to dinner at Bennigan’s…Back to the church and we helped Teresa’s Mom set up the gym for “Pastor Appreciation Day”…Big party after the service…

10/22/98 – Teresa, Kristen & I had dinner…

10/23/98 – I left work early, and Teresa met me for lunch at Applebee’s…Said a long goodbye as I left for the weekend for a youth retreat at Summit Lake with the youth group I used to work with…

10/25/98 – I met Teresa at Montrose and we went to her parents house to visit with them, Jim & Gail, Ray & Margret, Ray’s parents, and Kyle & Faith…

10/26/98 – Teresa & I had dinner at Chili’s, then shopped for Darren’s birthday…

10/28/98 – Teresa & I ate dinner at the church, then to the mid-week service…Lori asked Dan, Teresa & I to do a skit for Sunday’s service…

10/29/98 – Met Teresa at Montrose and we went to dinner at Woodside Deli…back to the church to practice our skit with Dan and Lori…

10/31/98 – Teresa and I dressed up as Bo Peep and Woody from TOY STORY for the Fall Fest at Montrose…Then to Teresa’s grandparents to celebrate Pop’s birthday with the whole Shirlen clan…

11/1/98 – Teresa, Dan, I, and several others performed a skit at Montrose…We played third graders…Lunch with Teresa’s parents at TGI Friday’s, then we went to my place to hang out…Back to Montrose to hear Teresa’s Dad preach at the Sunday night service…

11/4/98 – Teresa’s co-worker, Carol, gave us tickets to see the Terps play the Australian National Team play an exhibition basketball game at Cole Field House…very cool…Terps won 90-59…

11/5/98 – Met Teresa at Montrose for Christmas play rehearsal…

11/6/98 – Teresa and I took Kristen to see THE WIZARD OF OZ at Snowden Square…

11/7/98 – Teresa spent the day shopping in Lancaster…

11/8/98 – Teresa brought over gifts from her shopping extravaganza, and we hung out all afternoon…To Bob Evans for dinner…

11/11/98 – Met Teresa at Montrose and we had dinner at Houston’s…mid-week service at Montrose…

11/12/98 – Teresa and I had dinner at Boston Market, then to Montrose for play rehearsal…

11/13/98 – Dinner and video with Kristen and Teresa at their apartment…

11/14/98 – Teresa and I ate in and just enjoyed being with each other…

11/15/98 – Teresa dropped by after church and we did some shopping, watched TV (A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS), hung out…then to Montrose for an evening service…

11/18/98 – Met Teresa at Montrose and we went Woodside Deli for dinner…back to church…Teresa had a migraine halfway through the service…Lori asked Dan, Teresa & I to do another skit for Sunday…

11/19/98 – Met Teresa at Montrose for play rehearsal…

11/20/98 – Teresa made Kristen and I a meatloaf dinner, then we began to decorate the Christmas Tree…I fell asleep…When I awoke, they were done…

11/21/98 – Teresa and I had lunch at Don Pablo’s, then saw a parade – Laurel High Marching Band leading Santa’s sleigh to Laurel Mall…Very cool…so we walked over to the Mall to check it all out…Back to her apartment…Teresa made Christmas cookies…Kristen brought her parents over…nice to meet them…

11/22/98 – Dan, Teresa & I performed a skit at Montrose, then we went back to our place with Kristy, ordered a pizza, and watched the Steelers beat up on the Jaguars on TV…Teresa and I went back to Montrose to hear her Dad preach…

11/23/98 – To Teresa’s apartment and met her friend, Irene…then, Teresa, Kristen and I went to KFC for dinner…Teresa and I went to Montrose for play rehearsal…

11/24/98 – I met Teresa for dinner at Bennigan’s, then we went to church at Montrose (mid-week service one day early)…

11/25/98 – Delicious dinner and a quiet evening together…

11/26/98 – Thanksgiving!…Great dinner by Mom…Aunt Nancy & Uncle Jack and Dan & Kristy joined Mom, Dad, Darren and I…Teresa and the Shirlens came by later for dessert…great time…Our parents all met for the first time…Afterward, I felt like I knew, one day, Teresa and I would get married…

11/27/98 – Teresa and ate lunch at Applebee’s, then did some shopping at FSK Mall in Frederick…Dad called Teresa on her cell phone while she was in the dressing room at one of the stores…Dan & Kristy followed Teresa & I to Dough Roller for a family get-together, then the four of us went to Teresa’s apartment to play Mexican Train until late…

11/28/98 – Teresa and I did a lot of Christmas shopping…Ate dinner with Mom & Dad…drove around looking at Christmas lights…Back to her apartment and watched the Terps beat up on Pitt…

11/29/98 – After church, Teresa & I had a lunch at Red Lobster with her parents and a large group from Montrose…More Christmas shopping…Back to my place to watch a video…

12/1/98 – Teresa and I ate dinner at Ruby Tuesday, then to Montrose for a rehearsal…poor thing had a migraine…

12/2/98 – Met Teresa for the mid-week service at Montrose…

12/3/98 – Teresa, Kristen and I at sloppy joe’s and watched the #2 ranked Terps beat up on Wake Forest…

12/4/98 – Met Teresa at Montrose and we did some Christmas shopping at White Flint and a few other places…Dinner at the Silver Diner…

12/5/98 – Met Teresa at Montrose for play rehearsal, then we went to lunch at Fuddrucker’s…We decided to see a movie, then to UMD to see DaVinci’s Notebook do a show…

12/6/98 – Teresa brought over a 3 Brother’s lunch after church, and Dan, Teresa and I watched the Steelers lose another heartbreaker on TV…But then saw the Terps beat Stanford…

12/7/98 – Teresa and I met at Montrose for rehearsal and saw a little bit of the Montrose basketball game…

12/8/98 – More rehearsal and Montrose…

12/9/98 – Met Teresa and her Mom for dinner at Montrose, then saw the Elementary school concert and show…

12/10/98 – Met Teresa at Montrose for another rehearsal…

12/11/98 – Teresa and I to White Flint Mall eatery for dinner, then to Montrose for a dress rehearsal in full makeup…Teresa looked very old (she’s playing an old woman in a nursing home)…

12/12/98 – Met Teresa at Montrose and we performed in A VALLEY HAVEN CHRISTMAS SHOW by cousin Paul…Very exciting and a big hit…To Shoney’s afterward with Mom & Dad, Uncle Jack & Aunt Nancy, Dan & Kristy, and Teresa…

12/13/98 – Met Teresa at Montrose for church, then we went to TGI Friday’s with her parents for lunch…Teresa and I went home to relax, then to a cast party to see the video of the play…

12/15/98 – I picked up Teresa and we went to Mom & Dad’s to decorate the tree and we ate Chinese food…

12/16/98 – To Montrose and ate dinner with Teresa, Kristen and Elizabeth…then to the mid-week service…

12/17/98 – Teresa and I talked by phone about church stuff…she wants me to join Montrose, but I don’t really want to…

12/18/98 – Took off early from work and met Teresa for lunch in Columbia and do some Christmas shopping…back to her apartment…picked up Kristen and we drove to Watkins Regional Park to see Christmas decorations…To Wendy’s for dinner, then stopped by Mom & Dad’s…Back to their apartment for a little gift exchange with Kristen…

12/19/98 – Teresa and I to the movies to see YOU’VE GOT MAIL, then to Hard Times for a Chilli dinner…

12/20/98 – Met Teresa for church at Montrose, then to her apartment for a nice lunch…we did our Christmas cards…Back to church for Teresa’s Mom’s organ recital and a pot-luck dinner…

12/21/98 – Teresa looking stunning…Out with Joanne and Kevin to Copeland’s for dinner, then to the Kennedy Center to see the Paul Hill Choral Christmas Concert…a wonderful evening…

12/22/98 – Met Teresa at her parent’s house, then we went out to see a Montrose basketball game…back to the Shirlen’s and we had a good time with them and the Hopes and Dan & Kristy, exchanging gifts…

12/23/98 – Met Teresa at her apartment and then had dinner with her friend Jennifer…Headed home in the snow!

12/24/98 – Picked up Teresa at her parent’s and we went to Christmas Eve service at Montrose…I locked my keys in the car…Took 2 hours for a locksmith to get it opened…rushed over to Jody and Fred’s for a big Shirlen family Christmas party…Santa Claus dropped in for a visit, too!Good time by all…

12/25/98 - Christmas Day...Teresa came over to my parent's house and we, they, and Angie, David, and Darren had a very nice and memorable day...I followed Teresa back to her apartment and we spend the rest of the day just being together...

12/26/98 – Met Teresa and her parents at her apartment and we put together Teresa’s new computer desk for her new Imac computer…Then we took her old desk to her parent’s house…Teresa went with me to my place to change and clean up, then we met her parents again at Joanne and Kevin’s for a Christmas party…

12/27/98 – Teresa came over early and we went to Covenant UM Church to hear Rev. Tom Kaylor preach…Teresa & I then met Mom & Dad at Cozy in Thurmont for dinner…to Frederick for the Church Tour around downtown…then all home…

12/28/98 – Lots of running today…met Teresa at her apartment and we went to Motofoto, Jerry’s for lunch, Annapolis Mall and Best Buy…Fan problems with my car…stopped at Mom & Dad’s, Wal-Mart, Pep Boys, Giant, then back to Teresa’s…Teresa made pizza for dinner…

12/29/98 – To Teresa’s and Mom & Dad came by…the four of us went to Silver Diner for lunch…To Teresa’s parents…we picked up her Mom and the three of us to Gaithersburg High to see Montrose play in a basketball tournament…

12/30/98 – Teresa and I and Dad and David to the Auto Show in downtown DC…Met Olympic gymnast Kerri Strug…Back to Bowie and dinner at Ruby Tuesdays…Mom, Darren and Angie joined us…Celebrated Dad’s 54th birthday…

12/31/98 – To Teresa’s and we hung around the apartment most of the day…To Montrose for the New Year’s Eve service, then we joined her parents, Kevin & Joanne, and Faith Hope for dinner at the Bamboo Café…Joanne & Kevin followed us back to Teresa’s and we brought in the New Year…

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Favorite Quotations

Matthew 16:23 - "But he turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.'"

Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

1 Peter 5:10 - "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."

1 Thessalonians 4:13 - "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope."

Titus 2:7-8 - "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."

John 15:13 - "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

Joshua 24:15 - "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

"Don't judge a man by where he is, because you don't know how far he has come." - C.S. Lewis

"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence." - George Washington

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." - Albert Einstein

"You don't lead by hitting people over the head -- that's assault, not leadership." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower

"The future starts today, not tomorrow." -- Pope John Paul II

"No man is a failure who has friends." - Clarence the Angel, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

"Please watch out for each other and love and forgive everybody. It's a good life; enjoy it." - Jim Henson